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Police Officer Salary in Lincoln, NE β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Lincoln β€” Key Numbers

$62,884
Median Salary
$47,702
25th Percentile
$84,929
75th Percentile
$108,489
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median-13.0%
Lincoln median household income$60,800
vs. City household income+3.4%

Cost of Living in Lincoln

Cost of Living Index
87(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$795/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.2%
Annual rent cost$9,540
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary3.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Lincoln

2.6%
Unemployment Rate
360,000
Metro Population
19 min
Avg Commute
31.8
Median Age

Lincoln has a metro population of 360,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Police Officer Salary β€” Other Nebraska Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Lincoln, NE?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Lincoln is $62,884 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Lincoln's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $47,702 (25th percentile) to $84,929 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $108,489.

Is Lincoln affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $62,884 annual salary, a Police Officer in Lincoln would spend approximately 15.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($795/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Lincoln relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 3.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Lincoln's overall income?

Lincoln's median household income is $60,800. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $62,884 earns 3.4% more than the typical Lincoln household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.